Sybil Ludington's Sister Rides for the Drums

The night was dark and full of stars. Abigail stood at the door of the farmhouse. She held her little candle tight. Outside, the wind whispered through the tall trees. Her big sister Sybil was saddling the horse. The horse was named Star. Star stomped her hooves on the soft dirt. She was ready to go. Father came outside. His face was serious. "The British soldiers are coming," he said. "Someone must ride and warn the men. Someone must beat the drum of liberty." Sybil stood tall. She was only sixteen years old. But her eyes were bright and strong. "I will go," she said. "I know every road and every farm." Abigail felt her heart beat fast. She was scared for her sister. But she was so proud too. "Come home safe," she whispered. Sybil swung up onto Star. She carried a long stick to knock on the doors of sleeping farmers. Knock, knock, knock. "Wake up! The redcoats are coming! Muster at dawn!" All through the night, Star's hooves pounded the muddy roads. Rain began to fall. It was cold and wet. But Sybil rode on and on, mile after mile after mile. Farmer after farmer heard the knocking. Man after man lit his lantern and reached for his musket. The patriots were waking up. Abigail waited by the window all night long. She watched the dark sky slowly turn to soft pink and gold. Then she heard hoofbeats on the road. Star came trotting home through the morning mist. Sybil's hair was wet. Her cheeks were rosy. But she was smiling. "I woke them all," Sybil said softly. "The army will be ready." Abigail ran out and hugged her sister tight. Together they watched the sunrise paint the sky. Liberty is worth the ride. And love makes even dark roads bright.